Route Overview
Explore the lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and rugged coastline of Washington State's national parks: Olympic, Mt. Rainier, and North Cascades.
Itinerary
Ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge, drive to Olympic. Afternoon at Hurricane Ridge with mountain views and deer.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
Hurricane Hill Trail
Hurricane Ridge Sunset
Explore the magical Hoh Rainforest (Hall of Mosses trail), then head to Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach for dramatic Pacific coastline.
Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center
Hall of Mosses Trail
Ruby Beach
Rialto Beach
Morning soak at Sol Duc Hot Springs, hike to Sol Duc Falls, afternoon kayaking or hiking at Lake Crescent.
Sol Duc Hot Springs
Sol Duc Falls Trail
Lake Crescent
Marymere Falls Trail
Drive around Puget Sound to Mt. Rainier. Enter at Nisqually, explore Paradise Visitor Center, and hike Skyline Trail.
Paradise Visitor Center
Skyline Trail Loop
Sunrise side in morning (Sunrise Point has best Rainier views), wildflower meadows, Grove of the Patriarchs old-growth forest.
Sunrise Visitor Center
Sunrise Rim Trail to Frozen Lake
Grove of the Patriarchs
Drive north through Washington's Cascade Range. North Cascades Highway is stunning. Afternoon at Diablo Lake overlook.
Diablo Lake Overlook
Ross Lake Overlook
Washington Pass Overlook
Morning hike (Cascade Pass if ambitious, Thunder Knob if easier). Drive scenic highway back to Seattle for flights.
Thunder Knob Trail
Gorge Creek Falls Viewpoint
Creates a copy you can customize
7
Days
21
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
Best Season
July-September when all roads are open and weather is most reliable
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